Child protection assessment decision code N

Guide for use:

CODE 1 Investigation required

Where there are significant concerns regarding harm or risk of harm to warrant an investigatory response. An investigation is the process whereby the community services department obtains more detailed information about a child who is the subject of a contact and makes an assessment about the harm or degree of harm to the child and the child’s protective needs. It also includes the interviewing or sighting of the subject child where it is practicable to do so.

CODE 2 Other intervention required

This is where there is a low risk of harm and a non-investigatory response is required. This may include: where low level harm or risk of harm has occurred and immediate assistance is given and recorded; where the family needs are still assessed and a case plan is developed; where children are assessed as low risk but still in need; where there are parenting issues or one-off incidents; and where the contact is referred to another section of the child protection agency because the agency is already working with the child.

CODE 3 No further action/no issue

This category includes contacts to the department where there are concerns about children but there is no risk of harm/actual harm and no departmental action is required. This may include contacts that: are police initiated but there are no care and protection issues, the family has moved interstate; the contact is historical in nature and there is no longer contact between the parties; where it is from the family court and the department is already involved

CODE 4 Advice/referral to another agency required

This category includes referrals outside the jurisdictions child protection section. This can include other sections within the community services department and child protection services in other jurisdiction. It can also include brief advice and telephone counselling.